BHS Upgrades Respiratory Illness Alert to Moderate Level

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – As the Berkshire region experiences a heightened level of respiratory illnesses, Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has raised its Respiratory Illness Alert level to Yellow, or Moderate, triggering updated masking and visitation requirements, effective Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 7 am.

Respiratory illnesses are impacting a significant number of BHS patients, and the changes are being implemented to enhance safety for BHS staff, patients and visitors. 

Yellow signifies moderate activity and now requires masking for all BHS staff when in direct contact with patients. Any patients with symptoms should mask, and BHS asks that visitors who have any respiratory illness symptoms, postpone their visits, if possible. 

In the fall of 2025, Berkshire Health Systems implemented its three-tiered virus alert level system, which determines how the organization manages masking and visitor access, and whether staff, patients and visitors will require masking. The color-coded system is in effect at Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital, North Adams Regional Hospital and all outpatient centers, including BHS Physician Practices. 

"Respiratory illnesses have risen significantly in the community, and these changes are being implemented in order to help protect our patients, visitors and staff from the whole host of respiratory viruses circulating at this time of year, especially influenza, COVID-19, and RSV," said James Lederer, MD, BHS Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer. "Masking, regular hand washing, and social distancing are all key factors in helping to prevent the spread of these very harmful viruses, and we will be vigilant in our efforts to combat these illnesses."

The level of virus activity is regularly reviewed to determine what tier BHS facilities will be assigned. Signage will be posted at all facilities, the BHS website will be updated regularly to reflect the current tier, and masks will be readily available at all facilities. 

For more information, visit www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/virusalertlevel.

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